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BC Conservation Data Centre: Conservation Status Report

Rangifer tarandus pop. 15
Caribou (Northern Mountain Population)

 
Scientific Name: Rangifer tarandus pop. 15
English Name: Caribou (Northern Mountain Population)
   
Provincial Status Summary
Status: S2S3
Date Status Assigned: May 17, 2017
Date Last Reviewed: March 15, 2017
Reasons: There are high threats to the population and some long term declines in the subpopulations. There is uncertainty in the trends for many of the subpopulations which is indicated in the uncertainty of the status rank (S2S3).  
 
Range
Range Extent: G = 200,000-2,500,000 square km
Range Extent Comments: Northern Mountain Caribou occur in the mountainous western and northern parts of the province where snowfall is relatively low. Their range can be roughly divided into two sections: west-central British Columbia, and northern British Columbia. Northern Mountain Caribou occur in west-central British Columbia, in and around the Itcha, Ilgachuz, Rainbow, and Trumpeter mountains as well as in and around northern Tweedsmuir Provincial Park and Entiako Provincial Park and Protected Area. They also occur in the Telkwa Mountains and around the northern part of Takla Lake. In the northern part of British Columbia, Northern Woodland Caribou are somewhat contiguous in distribution from the Williston Lake area north to the Yukon border, northwest to Atlin, and southeast along the east side of the Rocky Mountains to approximately Hudson's Hope. 
Area of Occupancy (km2): I = >12,500
Area of Occupancy Comments: Throughout the extent of their range, Northern Mountain Caribou occur in local populations on discreet ranges. Known local populations occupy about 180,000 km2 in west-central and northern British Columbia. Areas occupied by individual local populations range from 1,281 km2 for the Mount Edziza local population, to 16,929 km2 for the Spatsizi local population.
 
Occurrences & Population
Number of Occurrences: C = 21 - 80
Comments: 2017: There are 23 subpopulations that fall into the Northern Mountain caribou population in BC based on the current definition of designatible units proposed and accepted in the 2014 COSEWIC report. Previously there had been 29 subpopulations defined as Northern Mountain caribou but a portion are now included in the Central Mountain caribou. 

For most subpopulations, ranges have been delineated based on research on radio-collared caribou. 
Number of Occurrences with Good Viability / Ecological Integrity: D = 13 - 40
Number of Occurrences Appropriately Protected & Managed: B = 1 - 3
Comments: Northern Mountain Caribou local populations occupy large annual ranges and therefore only portions of most ranges lie within protected areas. The Stikine Country Protected Areas (Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park, Tatlatui Provincial Park, Stikine River Provincial Park, Gladys Lake Ecological Reserve, Chukachida Protected Area, Pitman River Protected Area, and Mount Edziza Provincial Park) protect substantial portions of the Spatsizi and Mt. Edziza local population ranges. Other local populations with large protected areas within their annual ranges include: Muskwa (Northern Rocky Mountain Provincial Park, Stone Mountain Provincial Park); Tweedsmuir-Entiako (Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, Entiako Park and Protected Area); Rainbow (Tweedsmuir Provincial Park); Belcourt (Kakwa Provincial Park and Protected Area); and Itcha-Ilgachuz (Itcha -Ilgachuz Provincial Park).(this section by Cichowski 2005)
Population Size: E = 2,500 - 10,000 individuals
Comments: 2017: The subpopulations range from the smallest with an estimate of six mature individuals in the Charlotte Alplands herd to 2258 mature individuals estimated in the Spatsizi  (COSEWIC 2014). 

Population estimates for most local populations are based on aerial inventories or information obtained from radio-collared caribou studies.
 
Threats (to population, occurrences, or area affected)
Degree of Threat: B = High
Comments: The major threats for Northern Mountain Caribou are predation, access (resulting in disturbance and mortality, and increased predator efficiency), and to a lesser extent industrial development (threat to winter food supply, increase in early seral habitat supporting alternate prey species, access for hunting and human disturbance, and habitat fragmentation), and natural disturbances (fire, mountain pine beetles) (COSEWIC 2014). Development may also isolate and fragment small herds which then become more susceptible to extirpation from random variation in population processes (Heard and Vagt 1998). Predation is currently the greatest threat to Northern Mountain Caribou. Seip (1992) suggested that wolf predation can eliminate caribou from areas where the wolf population is sustained by other prey species because there is no negative feedback on the number of wolves as caribou numbers decline. Other threats can contribute to predation pressure through increased predator efficiency, an increase in early seral habitat supporting alternate prey species, and abandonment of historically used ranges where predation risk may be lower. Preliminary results from a study on the effects of mountain pine beetles on terrestrial lichen abundance suggest that terrestrial caribou forage lichen abundance has decreased with a corresponding increase in kinnikinnick and other herbaceous plants (Williston and Cichowski 2004).
 
Trend (in population, range, area occupied, and/or condition of occurrences)
Short-Term Trend: FG = Decline of <30% to relatively stable
Comments: 2017: Fifteen of the subpopulations in BC do not have enough data to determine a trend, including the many of the larger herds in the northwest of BC. There are seven subpopulations that are decreasing and one that is stable. All five subpopulations in west-central BC (Telkwa, Tweedsmuir, Itcha-Ilgachuz, Rainbows, Charlotte Alplands) are currently declining. The west-central BC subpopulations are isolated from other subpopulations in this designatable unit (DU) and in neighbouring DUs by the interior plateau.(COSEWIC 2014). 
Long-Term Trend: E = Decline of 30-50%
Comments: (this section by Cichowski 2005) Long-term trend for Northern Mountain Caribou numbers in British Columbia is also difficult to determine because of a lack of population information. There are no reliable estimates of the number of Northern Mountain Caribou at the time of first European contact, although numbers were likely higher than today. Although information is limited, the abundance and distribution of Northern Mountain Caribou in the northern part of British Columbia (north of 55 N° latitude) appeared to change little between 1700 and 1970 except for a temporary decline in the 1940's (Spalding 2000). Northern Mountain Caribou in west-central British Columbia declined in 1920 in the western Chilcotin and in 1930 in the Tweedsmuir Park area (Spalding 2000). In the rest of their historical range, Northern Mountain Caribou appear to have declined in number or disappeared altogether from some parts of their range although the timing and extent of these declines is unknown (Spalding 2000). Historically, Northern Mountain Caribou were more widely distributed throughout the central plateau and mountain region of B.C. (Spalding 2000). Habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, hunting, poaching, and predation probably have contributed to the reduction of their current range (Stevenson and Hatler 1985, Seip and Cichowski 1996, Heard and Vagt 1998, Spalding 2000). The abundance of most Northern Mountain Cairbou herds appears to be primarily a function of their ability to avoid wolf predation (Seip and Cichowski 1996). Caribou numbers declined following the range expansion by moose in the early 1900's into central British Columbia. The increase of moose is believed to have brought an increase of wolves, which has resulted in increased predation of caribou (Bergerud 1978, Seip and Cichowski 1996, Heard and Vagt 1998). Northern Mountain Caribou no longer occupy about 30% of their historic range in British Columbia. Over, the past century, Northern Mountain Caribou have disappeared from the portions of their historic distribution in British Columbia where they did not have access to high elevation calving habitat (Heard and Vagt 1998). Virtually all of the extirpated range occurs within the Southern Mountains National Ecological Area (see distribution map).
 
Other Factors
Intrinsic Vulnerability: B=Moderately vulnerable
Comments: Intrinsic vulnerability of Northern Mountain Caribou is ranked as moderate because the productivity of caribou is low compared to other cervids (alternate prey) in North America. Caribou only have one young per year and females do not generally breed until they are 2 years old. Consequently, the population growth rate (lambda) rarely exceeds 1.26, or 26% per year. Although overall productivity is low, the mean pregnancy rate of females ranges from 90 to 97% (Seip and Cichowski 1996). Calf mortality during the first few months of life is high, often approaching 50% or greater.(this section by Cichowski 2005)
Environmental Specificity: B=Narrow. Specialist or community with key requirements common.
Comments: Northern Caribou range requirements include: · access to relatively undisturbed summer calving areas; · access to an adequate supply of terrestrial and arboreal lichens on their winter range; · snow interception by the forest canopy to allow movement within the winter range; and, · large tracts of winter range where caribou can exist at low densities as an anti-predator strategy and can continue rotating their wintering areas. The current distribution of Northern Mountain Caribou centres in areas with high value calving habitat. Over, the past century, Northern Mountain Caribou have disappeared from the portions of their historic distribution in British Columbia where they did not have access to high elevation calving habitat (Heard and Vagt 1998). For winter range, Northern Mountain Caribou prefer pine forests or windswept alpine slopes where terrestrial lichens are abundant and readily available. Currently, pine-lichen forests are relatively common, but increased industrial and mountain pine beetle activity on caribou ranges could result in short and long-term reductions on some ranges. In addition, climate change could result in a northward migration of mountain pine beetles, where inclement weather has prevented mountain pine beetle activity on caribou ranges in the past. (this section by Cichowski 2005)
Other Rank Considerations:
 
Information Gaps
Research Needs: Research on caribou ecology is needed to further improve our understanding of habitat requirements and predator-prey relationships, especially in relation to industrial development and access. An emerging issue for Northern Mountain Caribou that is not well understood is the impact of epidemic levels of mountain pine beetles on caribou habitat and populations. Research priorities for Northern Caribou in British Columbia are:
1. Effects of epidemic mountain pine beetle levels and mountain pine beetle management and salvage logging on caribou forage (primarily terrestrial lichens), caribou habitat, caribou habitat use, and predation risk.
2. Effects of a range of forest harvesting strategies on caribou forage, caribou habitat, caribou habitat use, and predation risk.
3. Effects of recreational activities on caribou habitat use and predation risk. (this section by Cichowski 2005)
Inventory Needs: Current population estimates are available for all 23 local populations of Northern Mountain Caribou and trend information is available for eight local populations. Population inventories must continue to be conducted for each local population to monitor population numbers and trends. Additional effort should be focussed on local populations where the reliability of population estimates is low and where trend information is lacking. Although the distribution of the population is reasonably well documented, more radio-telemetry studies are required to better document range boundaries for some local populations.(this section mainly by Cichowski 2005)
 
Stewardship
Protection: Protecting Northern Mountain Caribou local populations from all disturbances is not feasible because of the extent of the range in British Columbia. Protection efforts must therefore focus on minimizing: loss of habitat; access to caribou range; fragmentation of habitat; and further population decline. The strategy for the recovery of Northern Mountain Caribou in the Southern Mountains National Ecological Area (SMNEA) in British Columbia (Northern Caribou Technical Advisory Committee, in prep) needs to be finalized. In addition, Recovery Action Plans need to be prepared for the 3 subgroups within the SMNEA (North-central, Northern Rockies, and West-central), and a Management Plan needs to be prepared for Northern Mountain Caribou in the Northern Mountains National Ecological Area.(this section by Cichowski 2005)
Management: Managers must consider Northern Mountain Caribou habitat requirements, caribou disturbance, and mortality when planning and implementing forest harvesting, oil and gas exploration and development, mineral exploration and development, recreational activities and tourism facilities, and access associated with all types of development. Provincial guidelines should be developed for managing industrial activities on caribou winter ranges. (this section by Cichowski 2005)
 
Version
Author: Cichowski, D. and L. Ramsay
Date: February 08, 2017
 
References
B.C. Ministry of Environment. 2013d. Implementation plan for the ongoing management of South Peace Northern Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou pop. 15) in British Columbia. Victoria, BC
B.C. Ministry of Environment. 2014. Science update for the South Peace Northern Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou pop. 15) in British Columbia. Victoria, BC. 43 pp.
Bergerud, A.T. 1978. The status and management of caribou in British Columbia. Fish and Wildlife Branch Report. 150 pp.
COSEWIC. 2014n. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Caribou Rangifer tarandus, Northern Mountain population, Central Mountain population and Southern Mountain population in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. xxii + 113 pp. (www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/default_e.cfm).
Environment Canada. 2012c. Management Plan for the Northern Mountain Population of Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in Canada. Species at Risk Act Management Plan Series. Environment Canada, Ottawa. vii + 79 pp.
Heard, D.C., and K.L. Vagt. 1998. Caribou in British Columbia: A 1996 status report. Rangifer, Spec. Issue 10:117-123.
Northern Caribou Technical Advisory Committee (NCTAC). 2005. A Strategy for the Recovery of Northern Caribou in the Southern Mountains National Ecological Area in British Columbia - Draft #6. Minist. Water, Land and Air Prot., Victoria, BC. In preparation.
Seip, D., and D.B. Cichowski. 1996. Population ecology of the Caribou in British Columbia: Rangifer, Spec. Issue No. 9:73-80.
Seip, D.R. 1992. Factors limiting woodland caribou populations and their interrelationships with wolves and moose in southeastern British Columbia. Can. J. Zool. 70:1494-1503.
Spalding, D.J. 2000. The Early History of Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in British Columbia. B.C. Minist. Environ., Lands and Parks, Wildl. Branch. Wildl. Bull. B-100. 61pp.
Stevenson, S.K., and D.F. Hatler. 1985a. Woodland caribou and their habitat in southern and central British Columbia, Vol. 1. B.C. Minist. For., Victoria.
Stevenson, S.K., and D.F. Hatler. 1985b. Woodland caribou and their habitat in southern and central British Columbia. Volume 2. Land Manage. Rep. No. 23, B.C. Minist. For., Victoria.
Thomas, D.C., and D.R. Gray. 2002. Update COSEWIC status report on the woodland caribou Rangifer tarandus caribou in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. xi + 98pp.
Williston, P., and D. Cichowski. 2004. The Response of Caribou Terrestrial Forage Lichens to Forest Harvesting and Mountain Pine Beetles in the East Ootsa and Entiako Areas: Annu. Rep. - 2003/04 - Year 3. A report to West Fraser Sawmills, Fraser Lake BC., and Minist. Water, Land and Air Prot., Smithers, BC. 41pp.
 

Please visit the website Conservation Status Ranks for information on how the CDC determines conservation status ranks. For global conservation status reports and ranks, please visit the NatureServe website http://www.natureserve.org/.

Suggested Citation:

B.C. Conservation Data Centre. 2017. Conservation Status Report: Rangifer tarandus pop. 15. B.C. Minist. of Environment. Available: https://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/ (accessed Jun 4, 2026).